Epsom Betting Tips for Derby Day on Saturday 1st June 2024

2:00 Epsom

We open up with the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, a Group 3 over a mile and half a furlong.

It’s CHIC COLUMBINE (13/2) I’ve landed on here. She has winning form on different types of ground so whatever the weather does shouldn’t be an issue. The more rain, arguably the better as it’ll inconvenience a lot of her market rivals. She’s won four of his last six starts and I’m happy to forgive a poor run last time out in France. She’s a progressive 3 year-old getting plenty of weight off her rivals and with William Buick on board, I think she’s primed for a bold showing.

 

2:35 Epsom

The 2:35 is next, the Group 3 Diomed Stakes over the same trip as the previous race.

It’s EMBESTO (4/1) NB for me here. A tricky affair with plenty of question marks for all runners, Embesto looks the most solid to me. He was progressive at 3 last season winning at Group 3 level before a fine four when stepping into Group 2 company in France. He returned to action in April at Newmarket and ran respectable coming home in 5th place. However, he looked in need of that and I think the fitting of a first-time hood looks the right move. If he settles better with the hood fitted and the seasonal return under his belt, I think he’s the one they have to beat today.

 

3:10 Epsom

The first of two races for the speedsters is up next, the 3 year-old Epsom Dash over the fast 5f trip. This race is restricted to horses rated between 0-90.

It’s BILLY WEBSTER (11/1) EW I like in this. A good winner at Southwell three starts ago, he’s had excuses on his last two outings where he just hasn’t had the run of the race. They were both over 6f and I do think that stretches his stamina. He’s a speed ball that travels strongly and that should be suited by this test. He’s 3-3 at the trip and the fitting of first-time blinkers could bring out further improvement. He’s a fair each-way selection in a wide open race where there is bound to be some hard luck stories.

 

3:45 Epsom

The 3:45 is the official Epsom Dash, the always competitive handicap again over 5f.

I think it’s the turn of SILKIE WILKIE (4/1) NAP here who deserves to land a decent pot. He’s a consistent sort that often operates at a higher level than this and always appears to be bang there at the finish. He’s all speed and is well suited to Epsom as proven when going down by a short head in this last year. He comes out of stall 15 on this occasion which looks ideal and if he can get away well, I think he’ll prove tough to beat.

 

4:30 Epsom

We finish with the most famous flat race on the calendar, the Group 1 Betfred Derby over 1m4f.

It’s CITY OF TROY (3/1) for me here. Aiden O’Brien has proved on many occasions, he can get his horses to bounce right back to form. He done it last year with Auguste Rodin and I think he can do it again. City Of Troy is arguably the best 2 year-old he’s ever trained and he now goes into the Derby a very fair price after one poor run in the Guineas where he had excuses. This is not a strong renewal of the Derby by any stretch of the imagination and on sheer ability, he looks by far the best of this lot. Ryan Moore keeps the faith in him and although stall 1 isn’t ideal, Ryan Moore is the right man for the task to get him a nice early position. I’m happy to chance him given the stable confidence he can bounce back as they have proven it so often.

 

Bookies Offers for the Epsom Derby

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